WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOCAL SECTIONS AND AACC SECTIONS?
Local Sections are:
- regionally organized groups of AACC members.
- independent corporate entities.
- sections that were formed prior to the AACC bylaws change in July 2016.
AACC Sections are:
- regionally organized groups of AACC members.
- any new section formed moving forward.
- internal units of AACC (similar to Divisions).
CAN A LOCAL SECTION BECOME AN AACC SECTION?
Yes. Local Sections have the option to dissolve and to re-form as an AACC Section.
ARE LOCAL SECTIONS REQUIRED TO BECOME AACC SECTIONS?
No. Local Sections have the option to dissolve and re-form as an AACC Section. All new sections that are formed will be formed as AACC Sections.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN AACC SECTION?
- Increased time to focus on program content and development.
- More opportunities for professional growth for volunteer leaders.
- Significant reduction of administrative responsibilities:
- AACC Sections will not have checking accounts
- AACC Sections will not sign contracts or any legal agreements.
- AACC Sections will no longer file a Report of the Treasurer. Section leadership will submit an annual budget, similar to AACC Divisions.
- AACC Sections will not file separate state or federal taxes.
- AACC Sections will not be required to file annual or bi-annual state corporation commission reports.
- AACC Sections do not need to maintain separate bylaws.
HOW DOES A LOCAL SECTION DISSOLVE AND BECOME AN AACC SECTION?
Local Sections must dissolve as a corporation and terminate its independent legal status. Corporations are regulated under state law, so the dissolution process can vary.
- The Local Section’s should follow the dissolution guidelines set in their bylaws or regulations outlined by the state in which the Local Section is incorporated.
- AACC staff will assist Local Sections with the process.
- Once dissolved, the Local Section must transfer funds remaining in their treasury to AACC.
- AACC will hold and track the funds for the newly formed AACC Section.
DOES THE FUNDING STRUCTURE CHANGE FOR SECTIONS THAT REMAIN LOCAL SECTIONS?
No. Local Sections that choose to operate as independent entities will continue to receive AACC allotments once a year after meeting all the funding requirements, such as IRS reporting, election of officers and submission of annual and treasurer’s reports.
WHAT IS THE FUNDING STRUCTURE FOR AACC SECTIONS?
- AACC Sections will submit a budget in a manner similar to all other AACC programs, including AACC Divisions. Budgets must include all anticipated expenses for educational programs as well as items such as awards and travel grants.
- As part of the overall AACC annual budget process, all programs and budgets are presented to the Finance Committee for funding consideration and to the Board of Directors for approval.
HOW WILL THE FUNDING STRUCTURE CHANGE FOR LOCAL SECTIONS THAT BECOME AACC SECTIONS?
Local Sections that dissolve and become AACC Sections will continue to receive their annual allotments.
- Programs that are in excess of the allotment will be paid by drawing down funds transferred to AACC in the Local Section’s name.
- Once those funds are depleted, as part of the overall AACC annual budget process, programs exceeding the annual allotment will be presented to the Finance Committee for funding consideration and to the Board of Directors for approval.
- AACC Sections may also pursue sponsorships or charge registration fees as needed to offset program costs.
- As with other AACC programs, unused funds from AACC Sections will remain with AACC for general AACC/AACC member use in future years. This does not include the separate Local Section treasuries brought over upon dissolution. This applies to the annual allotments for AACC Sections only.
WHAT IS THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF AN AACC SECTION?
- AACC Sections are required to elect AACC Section officers.
- AACC Sections are not required to prepare Bylaws. AACC will provide standard policies and procedures.
- AACC Sections will not file a Report of the Treasurer.
- AACC Section leadership will submit an annual budget.
IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR A LOCAL SECTION TO BECOME AN AACC SECTION?
Local Sections are encouraged to explore transitioning during 2017. There is no deadline for Local Sections to become AACC sections.